59 Jaw-Dropping Roadside Attractions

Our top reasons-from giant mazes to outdoor churches to the world's largest ball of twine-to pull off the side of the road and visit a while

Jell-O Museum

Long before Bill Cosby starred in the company's advertisements, Jell-O was paving the way for modern American merchandising. To build his brand, patent owner Orator Woodward advertised in Ladies' Home Journal in the early 1900s, gave free samples to housewives a few years later, and even had it served to immigrants on Ellis Island. Among other items, the gift shop sells boxer shorts ($16) that read "watch it wiggle see it jiggle." 23 E. Main St., LeRoy, 585/768-7433, jellomuseum.com, $3, kids $1.50 (includes box of Jell-O per family). Spoon: $4.50.

Pennsylvania

The Shoe House

This three-bedroom, ankle-high-shoe-shaped house was built in 1948 by Mahlon Haines--a self-made millionaire nicknamed the Shoe Wizard of York County. The Shoe House is open Thursday through Sunday for tours explaining its construction. No old women reside there, in case anyone was wondering. 197 Shoe House Rd., Hellam, 717/840-8339, jarrettsville.org/family/shoehouse.htm, $3, kids $2.

Rhode Island

World's Largest Bug

A 59-foot-long termite named Nibbles Woodaway sits atop the three-story New England Pest Control building in Providence (and is easily visible from I-95). Nearly 1,000 times bigger than an actual termite, Nibbles often gets dressed up for holidays. Fans of Dumb and Dumber may recall the bug's big-time movie debut. 161 O'Connell St.

Vermont

Ben & Jerry's Flavor Graveyard

For every popular flavor--Cherry Garcia, Chunky Monkey--there are those that don't survive, and the folks at Ben & Jerry's have given at least some of them a proper burial. The cemetery in Waterbury features headstones for flavors such as This Is Nuts and Miz Jelena's Sweet Potato Pie. Still awaiting burial: Hunka Burnin' Fudge and Economic Crunch. Rte. 100, 866/258-6877, benjerry.com, free.

Alabama